Sign of the times….I got the news via text message from Patrick Landin, a U-Dub student and member of the Dawg Pack that I interviewed before a Husky basketball game last year.
“Jake is back,” Landin wrote.
I didn’t believe it, still don’t believe it. I was sitting at the Kennydale Starbucks strategizing. Well, not really strategizing, I was coming up with an idea for a Jake Locker contest that I’d planned to start tomorrow.
Contestants would have been asked to predict if Locker would make the correct decision to leave early for the NFL or unwisely return to Washington. The tiebreaker would have been the day that Locker announced his decision.
If there was still a tie, that would have been broken by contestants guessing which was more likely to happen:
A) From his knees, KJR sports-talk shot host Dave Mahler sobs and thanks Locker from the bottom of his heart for staying at Washington.
B) A flabbergasted Hugh Millen, upon learning that Locker had bolted for the NFL, bellows: “Didn’t he read my article in the Seattle Times?!”
I’d planned on telling contestants to choose “leave for the NFL on Jan. 4″ and “B” on the second tiebreaker. The grand-prize winner would have received golf at Newcastle.
But now? No contest and no golf following a decision that made absolutely no sense to most people.
Fortunately for Husky fans, Locker isn’t most people. You knew that, I knew that, everyone knew that, I was just hoping and praying (fruitless, since I’m not especially religious) that Locker would do what anyone else would have done in his position – taken the money and run away from the U Dub as fast as possible.
By returning, he will improve as a quarterback next year, but he can’t possibly improve his draft status. On the same day that he announced his decision, ESPN.com projected him to the be the first player taken if he declared early.
He also said he wanted to come back to Washington before he got official feedback on his draft prospects from the NFL. If he had been watching SportsCenter like I was last night, he would have heard Chris Mortensen saying that one scout told him that Locker was the only QB who had the “wow” factor. Another scout told him that Locker could be a bigger, stronger and faster Steve Young in time.
He rejected all of this stuff, choosing friends and college over agents and business. And he did it with his dog in tow, taking his chocolate lab, Ten, with him to Steve Sarkisian’s office to tell his coach: “I’m staying.”
How cool is that? In my book, very cool. I can’t even bad-mouth Coach Sark and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier on this one. After Locker left, they high-fived and hugged. If I were them, I would have done the same thing and cracked the bubbly last night too.
At this point I’m supposed to trash Locker for making a dumb decision, for spurning certain millions that would take care of him and his family, for ignoring the fact that he could get injured, for not fully considering the ramifications of an NFL rookie-salary cap next year.
But I can’t do it. Honestly, I’m happy for him, happy for his dad, his mom, his sisters, his uncles, his grandparents, the whole fam-damily. I’m even happy for his U-Dub softball-playing girlfriend and his dog too.
Make no mistake, I’m not happy for me. I prefer misery at Montlake. With Locker, it’s more apt to be smiley-face central next year, complete with a Heisman Trophy campaign and a likely bowl game. It galls me to think of U-Dub fans making post-season plans to go to Las Vegas or San Diego or, please God no, Pasadena.
There’s still a chance that you guys will suck enough to not make it to a bowl game and a chance, albeit remote, that you could lose in a snowy December Apple Cup to the Jeff Tuel-powered Cougs at Martin Stadium in Locker’s last game. I’ll hold onto that thought.
But for now, I have to tip my crimson-and-gray cap to Locker. I’ll never root for his team, but I’ll always root for him. He’s classy all the way. I want him to win the Heisman Trophy though I’ll deny I ever wrote that.
Here’s why – did you ever see that photo in the Seattle Times after the Huskies stunned the Trojans. It captured a special moment between father and son on the field at Husky Stadium. Just by looking at them, you could tell what they were thinking. It was as if Jake was thanking his dad for all that he had done for him, and his dad knew what it meant. I damn near teared up when I saw that photo.
I want to see another moment like that in New York after Locker wins the Heisman – and hopefully becomes the first player to win the award for a 4-8 team.
Sorry, I repeat, I just can’t do it, I wish he’d gone to the NFL because I was ready for the Ronnie Fouch Era to resume, but he didn’t. Jake Locker showed up at Coach Sark’s office with his dog and said no to the money and yes to being a kid.
No one should ever be criticized for that.
To read Jim’s most-recent columns at seattlepi.com, click here.
Gary
Hi Jim. Nice blog post this morning. Even though I’m a Husky fan I do cheer for the Cougs (unless, of course, they’re playing the Dawgs). A rivalry should be a fun thing and I applaud your support for Jake’s decision even though he’s going to help UW beat WSU again next year. Have a great Holiday Season!
d mo
Jim,
Love you columns for the simpke fact that it is so enjoyable to read a self-loathing coug grasp at air. When did tuel become drew beldsoe? Even if he is as talented as you think, your ol makes ours look like the ‘93 Cowboys. Merry xmasm
Dave
Jay in SD
Jim, I thought it was funny how coach Sark was quoted as saying he thought one of the main reasons Jake came back was the 2 game winning streak to end the season. Huh? They beat a horrible Wazzu team and an uninspired Cal team who wished they were anywhere but Muttlake that day. Did he not see the UO, Stanford, and Oregon State games? Sure they might go 6-6 or 7-5 next year and go to a minor bowl, but is that worth risking your NFL career over? He went from getting a $50 million contract in 2010 to possibly $5 million after the new rookie salary cap kicks in. Sounds like a bad business decision to me.
The worst thing to come out of this for Coug fans is going to be the arrogant Mutt fans talking Rose Bowl, Heisman trophy, and NW Championship for the next 9 months. Ugh.
Here’s to UW being 5-6 going into Martin Stadium as a 21 point favorite and going down in flames to the Cougs to deny Jesus Locker his precious Poinsettia Bowl game. That would be the perfect ending IMO. Well, going 0-fer AGAIN would be better, but I have to be somewhat realistic.
OK, UW fans, you can start your hating now with your “Cougs Suck”, “1-11″, “How many Rose Bowl’s have you been to?” and “You’re just bitter because you don’t have Jake” posts. Knock yourselves out.
Go Cougs!
Ben
Reid Forrest for Heisman!
Reality
Jay in SD.
You are a tool!
I hope you enjoyed your 30-0 BEATDOWN!
Expect a bigger one this coming season and many more with Sark at the helm.
Sark has developed many QB’s and sent them to the NFL. How many QB’s has 3-22 Wulff sent to the NFL?
You will be Pac 10 doormats again this season
GO DAWGS
Madison McElhenny
Hey Jim,
Just for the record… Diehard Husky, hater of the Seattle PI, but lover of your journalism. You’re a poor man’s Rick Reilly. Your columns usually make me giggle and this one did no less. I can’t hate the Cougs… you can’t hate the pathetic. The only reason I ever read the PI was for your columns. Art Thiel? Can’t stand the guy. Their picture section sucks… but your column, oh so very amusing. Happy Holidays.
Sincerely,
Madison
Chapel Hill, NC
Chad Davis
@Jay in SD
How goes the bake sale to raise funds to fire your coach?
Bill Doba
Did Marshall and Lopina take advantage of Jake coming back to declare themselves for the Draft?
..and I get fired for a 5 win season?. Wulff won’t win 5 games in three seasons. But what the hell, Warren Powers is selling cars somewhere in the midwest, he’ll sign on after Wulff gets canned next year.
Bill D.
Sam
Jim, great article. As a Husky fan I love the spirit of your writing about the rivalry, even if it is normally ridiculous. This was the perfect article to stay true to the cougs and take a unique, honest look at Locker’s decision. Great job.
Jaws
Jake was going to be a top 15 pick. Probably top 10.
#1? Only if you think writers & “insiders” are EVER correct.
Chris Mortensen, that other dude form ESPN (Todd McShay I think), Mal Kiper, they always peg QBs way higher than they usually go in the draft.
Because journalists, well, they don’t know very much about sports. Less than fans.
Sean
What’s really great, the best part of this whole post, is that the ad at the top of the page is selling UW Husky gear.
Go Dawgs!
steve
Jim, it seems that you are 180deg. from your stand point yesterday. This Jake Locker thing is what we all have been waiting for. Finally an athlete who loves the game, his team mates, his school and his fans more than money. He earns respect rather then demands it. (see OU) And he seaks out and follows the advice of those he respects. While you have “come around” on this one. You initally (sp) missed an opertunity to celebrate a guy who “gets it”. I know that you are not on the Husky bandwagon. Welcome to the Jake Locker Bandwagon and have a seat right here next to me. Its gonna be a hell of a ride.
Montlake
Good article. I knew if I kept wading through your stuff you would eventually churn out something worth reading. This is right up there with the article about your daughter going to college. As the father of 3 young girls I had a hard time not tearing up reading that earlier this year.
ferndawg
yeah jim you should like jake the person and in a year your cougs will get to have his cousin lay some licks.
before jake committed to udub there were very few huskies up in these parts.
you should come up next year to a golden eagle game and sport your coug gear, you’d probably make a few friends.
have good holidays jim, but take it easy on the nog.
One More Year of Montlake Jake — Jake Locker
[...] Thiel and Jim Moore of the PI have two takes on the return of Jake. Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times echoes [...]
mdsmith
What’s the over/under on Tuel making past the first game uninjured? WSU offensive line will be even worse, if that’s possible.
Yakima Sundodger
You write well…for a Coug. There are lots of Cougs in Yakima, which is 30 miles south of Ellensburg or that spot where generations of Wazzu students have achieved semi-sobriety on the way back to Seattle (or as we in Yakima like to call your city, “the coast”). Since we’re all so complimentary here today, I secretly read and love every one of your columns (in a locked bathroom, of course).
Sammamish Huskies
Might be the classiest column you’ve ever written, at least of the ones that I’ve actually read. I’m a lifelong Dawg who also roots for the Cougs when they aren’t playing the Huskies. I like the rivalry best when both are playing winning football.
UW should get there next season, and your Cougs will make it back by 2011 or 2012.
Al
Great article Jim. I miss hearing you on the radio with Callabro. You need more air time. If Jake wins the Heisman, he needs to take Ten with him to NY.
Big AB
Another good one Jim-
Hate to insult you this way so close to celebrating the Lord’s birthday and all but… Not just your usually amusing stuff but s h u d d e r… a touch of class as well!
I agree with the poster who said they cheer for the Cougs against everyone but the Dawgs. I’m the same. But my big time sports Christmas gift is Locker coming back. On the one hand, it’s tragic how Tye nearly destroyed his career & wasted so many years. On the other, if Jake can improve this much in the pocket with 1yr with Sark… Mother of God! Next year is going to be LOTS of fun!
BTW, as a diehard Coug, would you do a piece some time on your thougts about the Cougs now having to recruit against Boise St.? Seems to me they’ve got a sucky row to hoe having to recruit against both UW and now Boise.
Peace out Bud, keep the fingers tapping!
Jim Moore
Thanks Adam, really appreciate your comments. I’ll get going on that Boise State piece, good idea. Keep in touch. Always good to hear from you. Merry Christmas. Jim.
Jim Moore
Al: Agreed on Ten. If I were in charge of his Heisman campaign, I’d shoot a bunch of shots of Locker with his dog. If you’re really, really bored Wednesday around 3 o’clock, I’ll be back on the air with Calabro. Take care, Jim.
Jim Moore
Thanks Sammamish Huskies: You’re right, it’s a lot more fun when both teams are good and playing for something. Thanks for taking a look at the website. Jim.
Jim Moore
Yakima Sundodger: Used to go to the Holiday Inn in Yakima every summer with my parents and sister. I don’t think it’s there anymore, but if it is, it’s something else. Good to hear from you. Jim.
Jim Moore
Really MD? The O-line can’t be worse, impossible! But then, I didn’t think we could possibly be as bad this year as we were last year but we were. Jim.
Jim Moore
Ferndawg: Spent a day in Ferndale a few years ago chasing a story about Jake Locker and really enjoyed myself. Wrote most of the story on your high-school football field from a lawn chair while my dog ran around. thanks for writing. i’ll take it easy on the nog, don’t worry.
Jim Moore
Montlake: Thanks a lot. I’m going to get my daughter on Friday, she needs a ride home from Pullman. You won’t believe how fast it goes. Enjoy your little girls. I’ve got two boys too, but there’s nothing like my little girl. God I’m a sap when it comes to her.
Jim Moore
Hey Steve, thanks for writing, yeah, hate to admit it, but I am a Jake Locker fan. But if you don’t mind, I’ll stay off the bandwagon and enjoy him from afar. Pretty amazing kid. Best to you and your family over the holidays. Jim.
Jim Moore
Sean: I’ll have to check into that. I still owe an Apple Cup bet in which I’m supposed to wear a Husky shirt and get my face painted purple and gold.
Jim Moore
Guilty, we do know less than fans on many occasions. But I’m guessing on this one that Locker would have gone top 5.
Jim Moore
Thanks Sam, nice of you to say that. Happy holidays. Thanks for visiting the website. Hope you’ll come back. Jim.
Jim Moore
Hey coach, nice to hear from you again, miss having you around. Remember your last game? At Husky Stadium? Brink to Gibson? I do. Hurry back Dobes…Go Cougs. Jim.
Jim Moore
Really well, Jeb has some dynamite chocolate chip cookies in the oven, and Daisy Mae should have her coconut macaroons ready for Christmas…
Jim Moore
Thanks a lot Madison. Very nice of you to take the time to write. Hope you’ll come back to the website. What are you doing in Chapel Hill? Take care, happy holidays to you as well. Jim.
Jim Moore
Maybe not the country, but he was the best player on our team…
Jim Moore
Go Cougs Jay. Thanks for the chuckles. I like your 2010 Apple Cup scenario, it’s the same one I think about. And yoiu’re right, these next nine months will be unbearable. Take care, Jim.
Jim Moore
d mo: I don’t know, I just look at that Tuel kid and think he’s got some of Jason Gesser’s savvy, and he’s clearly more skilled than any other QB we’ve got. I’m also looking forward to seeing Connor Halliday arrive next year. Jim.
Jim Moore
Thanks Gary, and a Happy Holiday Season to you too. Jim.
Florida Dawg Fan
well written article and fun. Why some people can’t just take that and not act like little kids is beyond me.
Quorndawg
OK Yakima Sundodger – waaaaaaay TMI. I can understand a locked bathroom for porn, maybe, but a Jim Moore column?
Jim Moore
Thanks Florida Dawg Fan. Have a good day. Jim.
redblackattack
Jim, sometimes your pieces infuriate me, sometimes they amuse me, and every so often they touch me. It’s nice to know that even though you are overburdened by your Cougar heritage, you can still take an objective look at a Husky player and write something complimentary and thoughtful. Jake is an outstanding athlete, and an even more outstanding person, and it’s nice to know that even a Coug can appreciate that. Keep up the good work, and go Dawgs.
Jim Moore
Morgan: Thanks a lot, I can’t dislike Locker. And his dad’s great too. Nice to hear from you. Hope you’ll stop by again soon. Take care, Jim.
Jack
Jim, nice column (I followed your PI link).
I have to agree, I was surprised, actually shocked, when I heard the news. I thought there was a 50/50 chance he would come back but I kept thinking about the money and like most, it seemed a little much to expect him to turn his back on so much money. But after reading what several FOX analysists had to say about Jakes decision it makes perfect sense. All of them agreed that what is singularly most important is to have your stuff together before you enter the league, don’t expect to develop it after you are there. They compared Jake to Carson Palmer. They all concluded that if Jake truly wants to have a future in the league, he needs one more year under Sarkisian. They also seem to indicate that it’s 50/50 at best that the Players and Owners will get together on a new bargaining agreement. But most important, they all said that if Jake has got the goods, he will make more money in the long run returning for his senior year. So Jake is either lucky he made the choice he did or he knows a whole lot more than anybody has given him credit. In any case I know one thing for sure, although I never attend Apple Cups when they are played in Pullman next year will be an exception. And yes, I will be wearing purple and gold.
Jim Moore
Jack: Thanks for writing. Well, I suppose you’re right, he’ll make more money in the long run after becoming a better QB next year under Sark’s system. Hate to say that, but it’s true. I’ll look for you in Pullman next year and hope to see you back here at the website. Merry Christmas. Jim.
Brad
Hey Jim….I have to say that I truly wish you weren’t a Coug but I just love your writing style. You are the best in the northwest and your style would be a huge hit in a larger market…like ESPN.
Jim Moore
Thanks a lot Brad, very nice of you to say that. Have a good weekend and a happy holiday. Jim.
Rich Klemm
Jim,
I was pleased to find that The Go 2 Guy still exists. I miss the sports writers from
the P-I. I would like to read the column about your daughter leaving for college. I’m a sap for stuff like that. I still think about The Go 2 Dog. I gave that column to my neighbor, a life-long dog lover.
Rich
Jim Moore
Thanks Rich, really appreciate your comments. Happy holidays to you and your family. It’s been almost seven years since my dog died and I still think about him a lot. Take care, Jim.
Justin G.
Jim, as one of the weird 2.72%% of homegrown Puget Sounders that actually love both the Huskies AND the Cougars (it’s usually because of deep family relations to both schools, such as I) I have always enjoyed your consistant disdain of all possible combinations of both “Good” and “Huskies”. As in those instances, yet again, you have produced another fine piece of heartfelt journalism. Right on Jim.
Jim Moore
Thanks Justin, it’s impossible to dislike Locker…though I’ll keep trying to. Jim.
Jordan
The first contract he will get will not be as large as it could have been. In coming back Jake has given himself a chance to be a very good pro qb instead of of guy rushed to start or not playing at all in the first year. If you want to talk about large amounts of money. We should talk about how qb’s get GIANT contracts after their first is up and they show they are worth it. Jake needed this extra year to be good enough to get that contract. I read your blog Jim and remembered how much i loved the PI sports page in the morning. I also feel very very bad for you and how terrible your cougs will be at football for a very long time. I liked it when the games were competitive, but now i see Sark and UW going to the next level, and the cougs confused and sad. I really do mean good luck against anyone but the Huskies.
Jim Moore
Hey Jordan, good to hear from you. Appreciate your comment about the P-I, I miss it too, it’s been almost a year now. As for the Cougs, we’ll see, I think we should be improved this year, but then how could we not be? Take care, Jim.